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F1 Dommie 99?

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Hi. My ‘project’ 1960 Dommie 99 frame has a small lug projecting from the lower edge of the headstock (possibly a steering stop?) - photos below. On that lug is the stamping ‘F1’. Does anyone know what it means? The frame has the usual ‘month/year’ stamping on the head steady lug but the ‘F1’ stamp has me baffled. Maybe I’ve got a Formula 1 Dommie ;-)

Thanks

Regards

Tony

 

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Hi Robert. I never knew that Bernie was  into bikes - or maybe he was just into making money even at that early time of his life.

Tony

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He was in a partnership with someone in a SH bike shop. I did a job once in his HQ Unit at Biggin Hill, Bit of an eye opener. Lear Jets etc , How the other half live.  

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hello I have seen this F1 mark on frames before now  but stamped on the Gusset plate On a 1954 model 88  its the replacement frame mark  from Norton  after a bike had been in a accident  and had to replace the frame under warranty   So its nothing to with F1 racing  Yours   anna j 

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Thanks Anna. I did wonder if it meant ‘1st replacement’. Although I guess Norton would have only replaced a frame under guarantee if the original frame had suffered a failure that was deemed to be caused by the factory. I doubt if they would have been too keen to replace a frame free of charge if the problem was down to the owner’s ‘spirited’ riding. It’s amazing how many parts have stamps on them - I guess they are quality control marks. Every welded on bracket bears two stamps.

Regards

Tony

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F1-I can do better. I have an Electra the model number is EL  I had a bad stamping and heavy paint on the frame so my log book (information filled in by a n other) had my Norton down as a F1. (You might have to think about it but remove the bottoms) I didn't try to sell it as a real Norton F1 as I think they would have suspected that my tatty Electra was not a real F1. I have since informed DVLA.

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I have a bike with no frame numbers , I have applied a plastic Dymo sticker to the headstock  with the number thats in the log book.   Went thro 3 Mot's no problem. They were more worried I have a dual seat and no rear footrests. I asked them if they were prepared to ride pillion with me, with the obvious answer the issue was resolved.!

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I wouldn't ride pillion with anyone driving a Norton unless it had ABS, Air-bags, Traction Control, Fuel Cut-off, Collision Sensors and Seat Belts.

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In that case Philip you’ll be wanting a 650SS (650 Safety Special). Very rare but I’m sure someone on eBay would claim to be selling one if you asked for one :-)

Tony

hello nice to see some of you all in good spirits and having jokes  but along time a go A friend Bob and His son found A Norton Dominator model 88 In bits in his Grandfather's old shed covered in old news papers and in cardboard boxes in various states  but he found just about ever part for this bike and on getting it home examined the frame for its frame number on the gusset but only had the number and one letter that Was F1 well there was a lot of head scratching   so the DVLA  was contacted they told him the Norton had replaced the frame  with in the first six month of ownership as the frame had bent in a incident   with a car  the dominator model88 had been fitted with a side car from new  how it ended up in a shed in bits is another mystery   but bob had found in a old biscuit tin   the old log book and paper works for the insurance and  letters from Norton with the information on the frame and sidecar that it had at that time frame,  he restored the bike and had many happy rides out before he pass away with heart failure this Norton was then stored with me for some 18 months after probate it was passed on to his son were this bike is now heaven only knows  ,   Yours  Anna J 

 


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